Transportation

Initiative showcase the region’s music culture

Press release

Your next visit to Sea-Tac Airport will come with a free upgrade -- to include the sights and sounds of northwest music. The Sea-Tac Airport Music Initiative, Experience the City of Music -- a cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, Seattle Music Commission and PlayNetwork -- will launch this week to showcase the northwest region’s music culture and enhance the experience of millions of passengers who pass through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport each year.

The Sea-Tac Airport Music Initiative, Experience the City of Music is a comprehensive program that enhances the traveler’s experience by utilizing speakers and screens airport-wide to feature a diverse variety of northwest music from the soulful sounds of Quincy Jones to the poignant lyrics of Eddie Vedder.

Travelers will also hear artist-read public announcements, enjoy curated videos on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and listen to a multi-channel web radio player available through the free airport Wi-Fi network.

01/24/2012

Press release:
For the second year in a row, flight tracking company FlightStats has honored Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the winner of its 2011 On-time Performance Award in the category of major international airports.

Sea-Tac also finished as a finalist in the category for major North American airports. FlightStats documents the on-time performance of airlines at airport worldwide, and annually honors the outstanding achievers. Airports are recognized for delivering the highest percentage of departures from the gate less than 15 minutes after the published scheduled departure time.

“The investments we've made improving our facilities and operations continue to pay off," said Mark Reis, Managing Director of Sea-Tac Airport. "Credit goes to the efficiencies built into the airfield, terminal and runway operations as well as the terrific work from the entire team of port employees and our operational partners."

01/23/2012

Creighton selected as vice presideny

Commissioner Gael Tarleton has been elected president of the Port of Seattle Commission. Tarleton was elected to the board in 2007. Commissioner John Creighton, who began serving in 2006, will be vice president.

"2012 begins the port's second century - we're online, open to the public, and open for business. We are on a path to creating a sustainable public port in the heart of our urban communities," said Tarleton. "As the local and global economies recover from a prolonged recession, this port will be an economic engine - and an engine of equal opportunity - for King County's nearly 2 million residents."

Commissioner Tom Albro will serve as secretary.

Tarleton and Commissioner Bill Bryant were also sworn in for their second term in office. Commissioner Tarleton was sworn in by El Centro de la Raza Director Estela Ortega; former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton presided over Commissioner Bryant's oath of office.

01/10/2012

Funding supports extending light rail service south from Sea-Tac Airport, to open with University Link in 2016

Press release:

The U.S Department of Transportation has awarded $10 million in TIGER funding to Sound Transit in support of constructing an extension of Link light rail from Sea-Tac Airport to South 200th Street.

The 1.6-mile project, which includes an elevated guideway, station, and parking facilities, is planned to open in September, 2016—four years earlier than envisioned in the voter-approved Sound Transit 2 plan, and at the same time light rail service to the University of Washington will begin.

“This is great news for local commuters, communities, and the economy throughout Seattle,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “I was proud to create the TIGER program to fund investments like this one for Sound Transit that put people to work, boost the local economy, and lay down a strong foundation for long-term economic growth.”

12/14/2011

The ramps from westbound SR 18 to southbound I-5, and from eastbound SR 18 to northbound I-5 will close from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, for emergency pothole repair.

Detour routes will be posted and drivers are advised to expect delays and plan extra time.

Apple Cup fans heading to the game this weekend are invited to take advantage of a half-price parking discount at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport connecting with Link Light Rail to CenturyLink Field. The offer is valid for game day parking in Terminal Direct at the Sea-Tac Airport garage including Seahawk games and looking ahead to next year as the UW Huskies play their home season at CenturyLink Field.

This weekend the discount covers Saturday's Apple Cup contest between Washington State University and the University or Washington, as well as Sunday's Seahawk contest versus the Redskins.

Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link Light Rail. You'll park on the fourth floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the SeaTac/Airport Station.

11/23/2011

Press release:

Next week kicks off the winter holiday travel season in what is now expected to be the busiest year ever at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The following includes the latest passenger traffic information for Sea-Tac, special offers, tips for travelers and links for additional information.

Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Numbers at Sea-Tac Airport
The passenger forecast for the Thanksgiving period at Sea-Tac is expected to be about even with 2010 levels.
The busiest travel days for the Thanksgiving period are projected to be Sunday, November 27 (89,250 passengers), Wednesday, November 23 (88,767), and Monday, November 28 (85,050).
This period is NOT the busiest time of the year for Sea-Tac. The high days for the period are in the top third busiest days for the year, but they are well below summer averages.
An average summer day (June-August) will see about 100,000 passengers (inbound and outbound) through the airport and is the peak air travel time for Sea-Tac.
In terms of travelers, August is traditionally the busiest month of the year followed by July, June and May [by contrast December is 7th and November 10th].

11/18/2011

Sounder trains will serve the Huskies vs. Cougar game on Nov. 26; Link light rail to run two-car trains

Press release:

Apple Cup fans can bypass traffic and take Sound Transit’s special event day Sounder trains to the 4:30 p.m. game between the University of Washington Huskies and Washington State University Cougars on Saturday, Nov. 26. Special Sounder commuter rail trains will operate from Tacoma and Everett to Seattle, and Link light rail will run two-car trains to accommodate game-day crowds.

Southline trains depart King Street Station 10, 20 and 45 minutes after the game; northline trains depart 15 and 35 minutes after the game.

11/16/2011

Press release:
On Monday, Nov. 14 the Port of Seattle launched its new website, with more intuitive navigation that makes accessing information about Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, cargo and cruise facilities, Fishermen's Terminal and other Port of Seattle areas of interest faster and easier than ever with a better overall web experience.

The website features up-to-the-minute flight information, a new photo gallery, easy-to-use drop-down menus, plus slide shows and videos for faster at-a-glance communication. Tabular sections and a powerful search feature put most information and documents just a click away, for greater transparency to community groups and business partners. Special sections also cover the port's extensive environmental programs, properties for lease, and construction activities.

"Simple and to the point," said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. "That's what our website visitors are looking for, and our team is delivering with a concise new website that I think is informative, efficient and engaging," he added.

11/14/2011

WSDOT press release:

The nightly lane closures are almost over in Tukwila and drivers now have smoother, more skid resistant sections on I-5, just in time for fall rains.

Our contractor crews have ripped out and replaced nearly 58 of the worst concrete panels in the area. The remaining work is expected to be complete by early next week.

But we’re not done creating a smoother ride on I-5 in King County just yet. More work is scheduled for early summer 2012 on I-5 near S. 260th Street in Kent and between the University District and Roanoke Avenue in Seattle.

Do you know your transit holiday schedule?
Take a moment to prepare yourself for the holiday season and winter weather. Inclement weather conditions and holidays can impact your daily commute. Be sure you know what your bus is doing this holiday season.

As a reminder, Friday is Veteran’s Day, and all King Country Metro Service will be on a holiday schedule.